Can you feed walnuts to your hamster? Yes, your hamster can eat walnuts. They are not toxic for hamsters in any way. Therefore your pet can have this as a snack but in a moderate amount. Remember, excess of anything is bad, especially when your pet has a fragile digestive system. You should follow the proper method if you want to feed walnuts to your hamsters. Otherwise, these nuts can be dangerous for the health of your pet.
Now you might be thinking, what is the best way to feed walnuts to your hamster right? Stay
Benefits of Walnuts for Hamsters
Walnuts are loaded with essential nutrients like fats, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, proteins, carbohydrates, and lots of vitamins like vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, E, and K. Therefore, walnuts are considered an excellent treat for hamsters, especially in winters. Walnuts keep hamsters’ bodies warm during winters by providing an energy boost.
Walnuts also help in muscle building and the development of bone tissues. They help lower the risk of diabetes in hamsters and destroy harmful free radicals inside their bodies hence boosting the immune system. Fats in walnuts help form the myelin sheath, an insulating layer, on nerve cells, strengthening the nervous system.
Risk and Guidelines for Feeding Walnuts to Hamsters
Walnuts should be given as a treat. They are not part of a hamster’s recommended diet. Despite all pros, there are some cons of feeding walnuts to hamsters that cannot be neglected. Walnuts should be fed in muted quantities like 1-2 nuts per week. Due to the high-fat content, overeating could lead to obesity and can increase the risk of diabetes.
Furthermore, salted walnuts are strictly prohibited because the sodium in the salt can damage the kidneys. Don’t feed your hamster walnut as this can be dangerous due to high-fat levels. Besides all this, overfeeding can cause digestive issues, choking, and malnutrition.
How to Feed Walnuts to Your Hamster?
Only feed natural walnuts to your hamsters. You should avoid roasted walnuts because they would have lost all their nutrition. In addition, salted walnuts are strongly forbidden. If you want your adult hamster to enjoy the treat, leave the shell, and let the hammy play with it for a while. Eventually, it will open the shell on its own and enjoy the treat.
Alternative of Walnuts for Your Hamster
Here are some other delicious snacks you can offer your hamster. Here are some other healthy snacks that you can offer to your hamster:
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pecan
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Pine Nuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Peanut butter
- Apples
- Crackers
- Pears
- Almonds
- Celery
- Bok Choy
- Red and Greens peppers
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Rice
- Lettuces
- Beans
- Legumes
- Sweet Potatoes
Nuts mentioned in the list should be non-salted.
FAQs
Yes, pregnant hamsters can have walnuts. Since walnuts are fully packed with essential nutrients, they would be favorable for the baby’s growth in the womb. They play a vital role in the formation of muscles, bones, and nervous systems and help the mother hamster fulfill her essential nutrient requirements.
This is the most common type, and it is safe for hamsters. They can eat the shell. Also, you don’t need to worry about it since the shell is digestible.
Roasted walnuts lose all the nutritional elements, and it’s no use to feed them to your hamster. They may harm your pet because the minerals in the walnuts can become toxic. Black Walnuts are not as nutritious as shell walnuts for hamsters. Furthermore, they are not readily available type.
Hamsters And Walnuts Wrapped Up
Walnuts are regarded as one of the best treats for hamsters. They contain almost all the essential nutrients that your hamster needs. However, they cannot be considered a part of a hamster’s regular diet. We always recommend you, as the parent, should not let the consumption of subsidiary treats overshadow the steady diet of your pet.
A desirable hamster’s diet consists of commercial pellets, timothy hay, and some fruits and vegetable with some additional treats. You must keep the balance between primary and subsidiary dietary elements to keep your little friend healthy. Lastly, your hamster can enjoy 1-2 nuts a week. Let your hamster play with them and find the delicious treat inside!
